George Wimpey rolls out training programme to Ayrshire

George Wimpey’s innovative scheme to provide construction industry skills to local long term unemployed people has been rolled out to Ayrshire with the launch of a series of four training courses for general construction operatives in Kilmarnock. Twenty-four training places are available over the next six months, and the first eight trainees are now completing their final week of the programme.

The programme - “New Entrants into Construction” has been running at George Wimpey's newly established Training Academy in Kilmarnock for five weeks, and offers eight long-term unemployed individuals the opportunity to receive industry-standard training and a one-week placement within a construction company - hopefully leading to permanent employment. The launch of the programme in Kilmarnock follows a previously successful pilot programme at George Wimpey’s Chapel development in Kirkcaldy. This innovative scheme has received funding from Scottish Enterprise under the Training for Work programme supported by Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire.

George Wimpey has established a Training Academy on Western Road in Kilmarnock that offers trainees an area to undertake practical instruction in groundworks and drainage - including kerbing, slabbing, mono-blocking and concreting as well as site preparation.

As well as a grounding of the basic skills required for the construction industry, the programme is designed to ensure that all the participants have their CSCS Health and Safety qualification to enhance their employability in the industry.

Additionally, the use of small plant and tools, manual handling, abrasive wheels, PASMA; vehicle marshal, fire awareness and First Aid add to their new skills base. The training also introduces the trainees to Industry Awareness.

The eight trainees are from Job Centre areas throughout Ayrshire, and their dedication and hard-work has impressed George Wimpey as Ian Thomson, Managing Director for George Wimpey West Scotland explains: “George Wimpey is keen to support new talent in the construction industry, and hosting a programme like this allows us to provide an opportunity to train and support many more people than we could otherwise employ. It’s a great result for each of the trainees personally who have worked hard to make this opportunity a success for themselves, and make a difference to their life.”

Giving the programme his seal of approval Councillor Willie Coffey MSP said: “This is a great scheme that provides an opportunity for local unemployed people to gain recognised skills. And skills that are actually in demand within the industry. Too often we hear about skills programmes that do not offer realistic prospects for employment. But the George Wimpey programme does offer genuine hope and the company is to be commended for this initiative. I hope it will be possible to maintain the scheme in the future.

“I would also encourage other employers to try something similar. We have many companies who have a wealth of experience in a range of sectors. And to offer training for unemployed people to help them acquire new skills would be a great boost for those individuals and could also help our local economy in the long-run.”

Joe Hoolaghan, Skills and Learning Manager, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire, said: "Training for Work provides valuable workplace experience for people who are unemployed and actively looking for work. The training support is designed in response to the demands of employers, and the knowledge and skills that the trainees have gained through George Wimpey's Training Academy will help them to secure permanent employment within the construction sector in Ayrshire.

“The support of employers is vital to the success of Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire's training programmes which aim to increase the skills and productivity of our workforce and I would encourage other Ayrshire businesses to get involved."

Alex Laing, Employment Advisor for A4e Glasgow, which delivers the five-week Training for Work programme, said: “The experience that the trainees gain from being involved in this programme is invaluable. The work placement at the end of the five week training course with a construction company offers the individual a good insight into what employers are looking for, and allows them to put their training into practice. Our hope is that upon completion of this course, these individuals will have gained enough training and experience to pursue a long and successful career in the construction industry.”

Dax Carroll is Director of Con Sol Services Ltd: “Having the facility to deliver these courses on working construction sites ensures our trainees are industry ready and confident about being able to fit in quickly and display appropriate skills to their prospective employers. George Wimpey's support for these programs is invaluable and contributes hugely to their success.”